North Caucasus Insurgent Leader, Three Alleged Associates Killed

A suspected leader of the Islamic insurgency and three alleged associates have been killed in Russia's North Caucasus.

The Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria's Interior Ministry said on December 16 that Anzor Khamdokhov and three militants were killed during a counterterrorism operation in the village of Bylym in Kabardino-Balkaria's Elbrus district.

The operation started early on December 15 and lasted until early next day.

One security officer sustained minor injuries.

Officials say Khamdokhov, known as a leader of the local Islamic insurgency, had been on the wanted list for a long time for his alleged involvement in a series of attacks against police and local citizens.